Krzysztof Kieslowski

Krzysztof Kieślowski (1941-1996) was an internationally acclaimed Polish film director and screenwriter, known for his film collections 'Dekalog' (1989), 'The Double Life of Veronique' (1991), and the 'Three Colours' trilogy (1993–1994). His captivating storylines and relatable characters have earned him numerous prestigious awards, such as the Cannes Film Festival Jury Prize and FIPRESCI Prize. His remarkable contribution to the film industry was affirmed when he was listed as the second-best film director in the British Film Institute's Sight & Sound list in 2002, and ranked 47th on the '100 Greatest Film Directors Ever' list by Total Film magazine in 2007. Kieslowski launched his career after graduating from Łódź Film School. His early films focused on the everyday lives of city dwellers, workers, and soldiers, highlighting the struggles of Polish life and clashing with authorities due to his realistic and honest portrayal of Polish society. Over time, he decided that fiction allowed more artistic freedom, and he shifted his focus towards feature films and TV drama. His work touched on moral and metaphysical issues, with smaller casts and stories focused on individuals rather than communities. Despite the censorship and various bureaucratic and political hurdles he faced during his career, Kieślowski never shied away from exposing the truths of life and society through his films. Even after announcing his retirement from filmmaking, he continued working on a new trilogy 'Heaven, Hell, Purgatory' with collaborator Krzysztof Piesiewicz until he passed away in 1996.